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Export licence row…
Alesie likely to get mill, export licences shortly -Minister Persaud
The Ministry of Agriculture has intervened in a row between the Ruimzeight Rice Processors Inc, a part of the Alesie Group, and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) over the non-issuance of rice mill and export licences.
Several farmers backing the rice mill from West Coast Demerara met with Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, yesterday, where it was agreed that the licences will be issued shortly once a number of conditions are met.
GRDB is withholding the licences because it claims that the Alesie company owes farmers more than five per cent of its gross production, something that has been denied by the company.
Under the new Factories Act, rice millers are not allowed to owe more than five per cent. In the past millers were accused of owing millions to rice farmers with almost no form of recourse.
Several West Coast Demerara rice farmers were expected to visit the GRDB office in Kingston today to voice their disapproval since they are openly backing the Ruimzeight Rice Mill.
Minister Persaud last night, confirming that a meeting was held, said that an advertisement will be placed in the newspaper where farmers who are owed by the company can come forward. Once there are no objections, the licences will be issued.
On February 7, Justice Jainarayan Singh ordered GRDB to issue a mill licence which was being withheld because the Ruimzeight company reportedly owed millions to farmers, in direct contravention to the Factories Act.
1. Chief Executive Officer of Alesie, Turhane Doerga, said that during the court case, GRDB had been unable to produce anyone who can confirm he owed them money.
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